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Small Firms Are Taking
On Second Jobs: Franchises

Add-On Business Fills
Gap During Slow Times
And Expands Clientele

By

Raymund Flandez

Updated Oct. 16, 2007 11:59 p.m. ET

While Maury and Beth Frankel's events company had grown in size and clientele over the past 10 years, it still had months when business was pretty slow. The company sets up inflatable attractions in town festivals and other events in the Pittsburgh area, most of which happen outdoors from May to October.

So this past summer, the couple took on a second job of sorts to fill the gap during the slow months: They added on a franchise to...